Episode 8

Valentina: I go back to the bar and order another drink. I left mine on the counter and I don't feel safe drinking it.

Tyler: Good evening.

Valentina: Good evening.

Tyler: Valentina, right? I'm Tyler.

Valentina: How do you know my name, Tyler?

I turn to face Tyler curiously. It's impossible not to notice how handsome he is.

Tyler: I have a contract with your family's company. Theodoro told me about the twins and I've been to your house before. You were much younger and probably don't remember me.

Valentina: I really don't remember, sorry.

I try to remember Tyler, but I can't recall what he looks like.

Tyler: I paid for the drink the waiter prepared, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be intrusive Valentina.

Valentina: It has more to do with the rule of not accepting drinks from strangers. It's okay, but I'd rather avoid it.

Tyler: You're right, Valentina. The world is a cruel place.

Valentina: I have to go, it was nice meeting you Tyler.

I extend my hand to Tyler. He greets me politely and I say goodbye to him with a smile.

Tyler: As soon as Valentina entered the club, I was fascinated by her. I saw her dancing and all my attention was on her. She surprised me with her shy but polite manner. She's nothing like the type of woman I get involved with and that's what makes me want to get to know her better. Some women try to strike up a conversation, but the club loses its charm and I leave alone for the first time.

Valentina: Souza seems irritated and I say nothing. I arrive at the mansion late, say goodbye to Souza, and find Gustavo sitting with his feet in the pool. I approach him and sit beside him.

Is everything okay?

Gustavo: If you thought someone needed your help, but weren't sure, would you still help that person, even if they didn't want your help?

Valentina: I think that's the most complex question you've ever asked me. Let's be straightforward. If there was a small possibility that someone needed help, whether they wanted it or not, I would try to help.

Gustavo: I asked the wrong person. You're something else, Valentina. You would help anyone without hesitation.

Valentina: Cut that out, Gu. It's a family trait. You would never ignore someone's pain and I'm very proud of you for that.

Gustavo: You see goodness in everyone, Tina, but you need to see the evil too. I'm not talking about this situation, but I would kill anyone who harmed you.

Valentina: Don't say that, Gu. You would end up in jail and I couldn't bear to lose you in any way, because you're my better half!

Gustavo: Valentina hugs me. My parents, her, and Theo mean everything to me. Actually, I love our entire family very much. But with Tina, things are different, maybe because we're twins, I don't know, I just know that I understand what she meant. I couldn't bear to lose her in any way either.

Valentina: Why did you ask me that?

Gustavo: Remember the redhead, the clumsy one from Theo's wedding?

Valentina: The one with intense eye contact?

Gustavo: There was no eye contact, but it's the same redhead. Her name is Emma and she was admitted to the hospital with a head wound that needed stitches. The nurses tell me she shows signs of abuse, with bruises on her body.

Valentina: Oh my, Gu, that's serious. She might be in an abusive relationship, I don't know.

Gustavo: Emma is a stubborn woman, Tina. She escaped the hospital twice. How do you help someone who doesn't want to be helped?

Valentina: Many people find themselves in situations like that and feel trapped. They also don't trust anyone. Don't give up on understanding what's happening with her, Gu. It could have been me.

Gustavo: I'll think about it, Tina. This stubborn redhead is making me do things I never imagined I would do in my life.

Just the thought of following someone, I can't believe it myself. It was ridiculous!

Valentina: As I said, you have a huge heart beneath all those muscles. I know you'll find a way to help Emma.

Gustavo: I believe I'll take some time, I asked for an investigation on her. I'll wait for the results to come out.

Valentina: Just keep an eye out, she might need help before then. Let's go inside, it's very cold.

Gustavo: I enter with Valentina, reflecting on our conversation. I've created so many theories that I'm going crazy. I need to think carefully about what to do from here on out, I'm taking this story too far.

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